"Will Work From Home" Book Excerpt

Aug. 6, 2008

Page 10 of 10

The Purpose of a Guide

We're going to be with you as you plan and pursue your journey. We'll tell you what to pack and what to expect. We've mapped the curves, charted the hills, seen the views, and marked the rough spots. We know where to find the rest stops and where to turn for help. It's your path and your life, but everyone needs encouragement. You'll find lots of it in the stories and advice from the seasoned hikers who have already made their way home to work.

Whether you choose a quick and easy path or a longer one, you'll be able to find useful directions and the practical resources you need here to help you make every step.

ACTION STEPS?Home Is Where the Job Is

1. Buy a notebook and write down why you want or need to work from home. What would be your ideal dream job? How many hours would you work and when? How much would you make? How would it make you feel? How do you envision it improving your life? What would you do with the money? Be specific about describing your dreams. It will make your job search later more focused and personal. You'll be able to eliminate those options that don't fit what you want.

2. Perform a candid personality assessment. Will you be bored working alone? Will you be distracted by people, things, or chores in your home? Will you be motivated to get to your desk and stay focused until tasks are complete? Be honest with yourself.

3. Connect with one new resource every day. Commit to working on your goal daily by reaching out to one new resource, which could be a web-site, a group, or an individual. Call someone you know who works from home and ask about the highs and lows. Reach message boards in chat rooms of your favorite social networking websites to learn about how other people are making money at home. The idea is to seek new information every day. The daily commitment reinforces that you're truly determined to make this goal a reality.

Tory Johnson is the workplace contributor on "Good Morning America" and the CEO of Women For Hire. Visit her Web site at www.womenforhire.com.

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